Used Car of the Year 2012 - City cars

Winner City car
Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-i + 3dr
Age 2009/09
Dealer price £4805
Private price £4390

As more people than ever downsize, our first ever used city car award could hardly be more relevant.

The Aygo faced stiff competition from the Hyundai i10, but took the win thanks mainly to its blend of funky styling and rock-bottom running costs. These are exactly the attributes city car buyers are looking for.

The tiny Toyota is at its best in the city, where its compact dimensions, punchy engine and light controls make it ideal for zipping through crowded streets. Space is short in any city car, but the Aygo has room for a couple of small bags in the boot, while head- and legroom are great for those in the front.

The Aygo drives and handles well for its size, too, as long as you don’t push it hard when cornering. The ride is firmer than it is in some rivals, but it’s never enough to upset everyone on board.

Entry-level cars are sparsely equipped, but all versions get a CD player and two airbags as standard. We’ve gone for the next trim level up, because the ‘+’ model gets Isofix child seat fittings, electric front windows, two more airbags, remote central locking and an upgraded stereo.

Running costs are extremely low; the Aygo’s three-cylinder petrol engine is capable of more than 60mpg and emits just 106g/km of CO2, which equates to a minuscule £20 annual road tax bill. Throw in Toyota’s good reliability record and it’s easy to argue that the Aygo is one of the best-value city cars on the used market today.

Runners-up

Click here for supermini winners >>